How to shutdown iMac with keyboard?

Date 06/12/2023
Category
Apple Blog, Apple How to?, Apple iMac Blog
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How to shutdown iMac with keyboard?

 

Shutting down an iMac using only the keyboard is a convenient skill to have in various situations. Discover effective keyboard shortcuts and commands to initiate a proper shutdown on your iMac without relying on a mouse in this comprehensive guide.

Unleash the power of your keyboard and conquer the shutdown of your iMac!

Shutting down an iMac using the keyboard can be achieved through several methods, primarily relying on keyboard shortcuts or Terminal commands. Here are detailed steps for different techniques:

  1. Using Keyboard Shortcuts:

    a. Shutdown Dialog Box Shortcut:

    • Press “Control + Command + Eject” ( ⌃ + ⌘ + ⏏ ) simultaneously. For newer Macs without an optical drive, use “Control + Command + Power” ( ⌃ + ⌘ + Power ) instead.
    • This key combination prompts a dialog box displaying options like Restart, Sleep, and Shut Down. Use the arrow keys to navigate to “Shut Down” and press “Enter” or the “Return” key to initiate the shutdown process.

    b. Force Shut Down Shortcut:

    • For an immediate shutdown without the dialog box, press and hold the power button (located at the back of the iMac or on the keyboard, depending on the model) for approximately five seconds until the screen goes dark.
    • This method forces the iMac to power off abruptly and should be used sparingly, as it doesn’t allow for regular system shutdown procedures and might lead to potential data loss or system instability.
  2. Terminal Command Method:

    a. Open the Terminal application by navigating to Applications > Utilities > Terminal or by using Spotlight (Command + Space, then type “Terminal” and hit Enter).

    b. Enter the command “sudo shutdown -h now” (without quotes) and press Enter.

    c. You’ll be prompted to enter your admin password. Once entered, the iMac will immediately commence the shutdown process.

  3. Using Accessibility Features (Partial Mouse Functionality):

    If the mouse is partially functional and allows access to the menu bar:

    a. Hold down the “Option” key and click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen to open the Apple Menu.

    b. Use the arrow keys to navigate to “Shut Down” in the menu options and press “Enter” to initiate the shutdown.

These methods provide alternative ways to shut down an iMac without relying on a mouse, allowing users to perform a proper system shutdown using keyboard shortcuts, Terminal commands, or a combination of keyboard and partial mouse functionality.

What are the risks of using immediate keyboard shutdown techniques?

Performing immediate shutdown techniques solely via keyboard shortcuts on an iMac might present certain risks or potential drawbacks. One significant consideration is the absence of a proper shutdown procedure, which could lead to potential data loss or system instability. Unlike the standard shutdown procedure accessed through the Apple Menu or System Preferences, an immediate shutdown using keyboard shortcuts or Terminal commands might abruptly cut power without allowing the operating system to complete essential background tasks, potentially risking the loss of unsaved work or causing software conflicts upon reboot. This lack of proper shutdown protocols might particularly impact ongoing processes, such as software updates or installations, as they often require a complete and orderly shutdown to ensure system stability and the integrity of installed software.

Another potential drawback revolves around external devices and the touch bar, especially on newer iMac models. An immediate shutdown triggered through keyboard commands might not allow sufficient time for external devices or peripherals to go through the proper disconnect sequence. Abruptly cutting power could potentially cause issues with connected external drives, leading to data corruption or hardware damage. Additionally, on iMac models equipped with a touch bar, a sudden power-off might interrupt touch bar functions or hinder the appropriate storage of the current user’s settings or session data, potentially resulting in inconsistencies or loss of customization upon the next boot. Furthermore, an abrupt shutdown may prevent the system from entering sleep mode, impacting power-saving functions and potentially affecting the iMac’s power supply or overall efficiency over time.